York Becomes First UK City to Receive Friendly WiFi Accreditation

The City of York in England has become the first in the world to achieve a new “Friendly Wi-Fi” accreditation (not hard to do because it’s only just been created in the UK), which means that their free public wireless Internet hotspots employ strict filtering (censorship) to block “inappropriate material” (porn and child abuse).

The scheme, which is supported by the Government and public WiFi Hotspot providers, was created and launched in collaboration with the UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS). Among other things it means that the network will now be able to display a new “Friendly WiFi” logo.

Roy Grant, Head of ICT at City of York Council, said:

“This is another first for York. CityConnect WiFi from Pinacl has proven popular with residents and tourists and we are delighted it has received the Friendly WiFi accreditation. It is important that children can browse the internet safely and we are pleased to offer this service in York’s city centre.”

At this stage it’s unclear whether the filtering system only blocks the aforementioned content or if it also hits other websites, such as online dating, weapon sales or beauty products etc. The big press releases usually only focus on the nasty stuff and often gloss over what other categories may be impacted.